Small businesses across Mpumalanga are cautiously optimistic following the appointment of a new board to the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), the provincial agency tasked with promoting investment, financing enterprises and supporting economic development.
The new board is chaired by Jabulani Mahlangu and includes Nkateko Khoza and Advocate Mthokozisi Xulu among its members and is expected to provide strategic oversight of the agency and improve its support for businesses across the province.
While the appointment signals a fresh chapter for the agency, entrepreneurs say leadership changes alone will not address long-standing concerns over funding accessibility, lengthy application processes and limited communication with applicants.
For many business owners, the question is no longer whether MEGA has programmes available, but whether those programmes can be delivered efficiently enough to help businesses survive and grow.
Business owners want action, not promises
MEGA plays a central role in Mpumalanga’s economic development strategy by providing financial assistance to qualifying businesses, facilitating investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services.
The newly appointed board assumes responsibility at a time when economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on emerging enterprises. High operating costs, limited access to commercial finance and subdued consumer spending have increased demand for development finance institutions such as MEGA.
The board is expected to strengthen governance, improve operational performance and ensure that public funds allocated for enterprise development reach businesses capable of creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity.
For entrepreneurs, the success of the new board will ultimately be judged by outcomes rather than appointments.
Thandeka Maseko, owner of a catering business in Mbombela, said many entrepreneurs remain hopeful but cautious.
“Every time new leadership is announced, we hear about plans to improve services. What businesses need now is faster processing of funding applications and clear communication. Delays can mean missing business opportunities, especially for small companies that depend on cash flow.”
Funding remains a major hurdle
Sibusiso Nkosi, who operates a furniture manufacturing business in Bushbuckridge, said access to affordable finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing growing businesses.
“Commercial banks often require security that many small businesses simply don’t have. Agencies like MEGA exist to bridge that gap, but funding needs to reach businesses while opportunities still exist,” Nkosi said.
MGCA communication officer Gift Mkhatshwa said effective governance is essential if development finance institutions are to support economic growth.
“Development agencies play an important role in addressing market failures where commercial finance may not be readily available. Their effectiveness depends on sound governance, transparent decision-making and the efficient allocation of resources,” Mkhatshwa said.
Mkhatshwa said measurable performance indicators should accompany improved governance.
“Businesses and taxpayers alike will want to see evidence that investment support is translating into sustainable enterprises, employment creation and broader economic activity.”
